The effect of type of vaginal insert and dose of pLH on embryo production, following fixed-time AI in a progestin-based superstimulatory protocol in Nelore cattle

The objective was to analyze and report field data focusing on the effect of type of progesterone-releasing vaginal insert and dose of pLH on embryo production, following a superstimulatory protocol involving fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) in Nelore cattle (Bos taurus indicus). Donor heifers and cows (n = 68; 136 superstimulations over 2 years) received an intravaginal, progesterone-releasing insert (CIDR® or DIB®, with 1.9 or 1.0 g progesterone, respectively) and 3-4 mg of estradiol benzoate (EB) i.m. at random stages of the estrous cycle. Five days later (designated Day 0), cattle were superstimulated with a total of 120-200 mg of pFSH (Folltropin-V®), given twice daily in decreasing doses from Days 0 to 3. All cattle received two luteolytic doses of PGF2α at 08:00 and 20:00 h on Day 2 and progesterone inserts were removed at 20:00 h on Day 3 (36 h after the first PGF2α injection). Ovulation was induced with pLH (Lutropin-V®, 12.5 or 25 mg, i.m.) at 08:00 h on Day 4 with FTAI 12, 24 and in several cases, 36 h later. Embryos were recovered on Days 11 or 12, graded and transferred to synchronous recipients. Overall, the mean (±S.E.M.) number of total ova/embryos (13.3 ± 0.8) and viable embryos (9.4 ± 0.6) and pregnancy rate (43.5%; 528/1213) did not differ among groups, but embryo viability rate (overall, 70.8%) was higher in donors with a DIB (72.3%) than a CIDR (68.3%, P = 0.007). In conclusion, the administration of pLH 12 h after progesterone removal in a progestin-based superstimulatory protocol facilitated fixed-time AI in Nelore donors, with embryo production, embryo viability and pregnancy rates after embryo transfer, comparable to published results where estrus detection and AI was done. Results suggested a possible alternative, which would eliminate the need for estrus detection in donors. © 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Follicular dynamics and plasma FSH and progesterone concentrations during follicular deviation in the first post-ovulatory wave in Nelore (Bos indicus) heifers

The objective of the present study was to characterize ovarian follicular dynamics and hormone concentrations during follicular deviation in the first wave after ovulation in Nelore (Bos indicus) heifers. Ultrasonographic exams were performed and blood samples were collected every 12 h from the day of estrus until 120-144 h after ovulation in seven females. Deviation was defined as the point at which the growth rate of the dominant follicle became greater than the growth rate of the largest subordinate follicle. Deviation occurred approximately 65 h after ovulation. Growth rate of the dominant follicle increased (P < 0.05) after deviation, while growth rate of the subordinate follicle decreased (P < 0.05). Diameter of the dominant follicle did not differ from the subordinate follicle at deviation (approximately 5.4 mm). The dominant follicle (7.6 mm) was larger (P < 0.05) than the subordinate follicle (5.3 mm) 96 h after ovulation or 24 h after deviation. Plasma FSH concentrations did not change significantly during the post-ovulatory period. The first significant increase in mean plasma progesterone concentration occurred on the day of follicular deviation. In conclusion, the interval from ovulation to follicular deviation (2.7 days) was similar to that previously reported in B. taurus females, but follicles were smaller. Diameters of the dominant follicle and subordinate follicle did not differ before deviation and deviation was characterized by an increase in dominant follicle and decrease in subordinate follicle growth rate. Variations in FSH concentrations within 12-h intervals were not involved in follicular deviation in Nelore heifers. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Espectro de agentes etiológicos associados a surtos de doenças transmitidas por alimentos em núcleos receptores turísticos de três regiões geográficas do Estado de São Paulo

Foodborne and waterborne diseases are spread by the consumption of food or water contaminated with bacteria and/or their toxins, viruses, parasites or chemicals. The aim of the research reported here was to establish the spectrum of etiologic agents of foodborne outbreaks at 15 tourist resorts in three geographic regions of the State of Sao Paulo (Brazil). The study was based on the cases reported to the Epidemic Surveillance Center (CVE) of the Public Health Authority of the State of São Paulo (SES), from 2002 to 2005. The tourist centers were chosen at random in three regions of the state (Capital, Interior and Coast) and offered the following attractions: events, agribusiness, cultural history, shopping, town center, gastronomy, health and leisure, sun and sea. Among the bacteria, the results showed that Salmonella spp. were most frequently associated with outbreaks, followed by Shigella spp., enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens, Bacillus cereus and Campylobacter spp. Viruses (Rotavirus and Hepatitis A) played a part in many of the cases, while the frequency of parasites and worm infestations was low in the foodborne disease outbreaks at these resorts. The mixed foods (rice, beans, liver, potatoes, barbecue, juice), fish and poultry were the three commonest vehicles implicated in the outbreaks.

Fatores de risco para doenças cardiovasculares em idosos com diabetes mellitus tipo 2

The aim of this study was to analyze the risk factors related to the cardiovascular diseases (CVRF) in elderly type 2 diabetics. A cross-sectional observational study was carried out on 100 elderly patients attending the Rehabilitation Center of Araraquara (CRRA), São Paulo State, Brazil, from March to December, 2004. The majority were married, female, white, with a low income and low educational level. Regarding habits and style of life, the subjects had an adequate diet, were sedentary, non-smoking and non-drinking. In the population of 100, 42% were overweight, 42% obese, 71% had above-normal waist measurements and 84% high waist-to-hip ratios. Concerning the CVRF, it was observed that more than half had hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia and hypertriglyceridaemia. 84% had high values of LDL-cholesterol and 59% HDL-cholesterol levels below the reference values, 78% high levels of fasting glycemia, 76% glycohemoglobin and 57% fibrinogen and thus subject to cardiovascular risk. The results showed a high frequency of cardiovascular risk factors, differing according to sex and the age.

Susceptibilidade in vitro a antimicrobianos da Mannheimia haemolytica e da Pasteurella multocida isoladas de ovinos sadios e com doenças respiratórias

Pasteurella multocida and Mannheimia haemolytica (P. haemolytica) are associated with ovine respiratory diseases. With the purpose of observe the susceptibility in vitro of these organisms against antimicrobials, were collected samples of nasopharingeal (n=180) and oropharingeal (n=82) from ovines healthy and with respiratory disease. Among the antimicrobials tested, the sensibility was greater for enrofloxacin (100%) and florfenicol (100%), for both bacteria. The greater resistance indices for M. haemolytica and P. multocida were observed with tetracyclin (15.64% and 17.65% respectively) and penicillin (1.82% and 4.2%).

Morfogênese do testículo de embriões e fetos de vacas da raça nelore (Bos taurus indicus)

The aim of this study was to accompany the process of testicular development from the non-differentiable phase to its complete formation. Embryos and fetuses of Nelore breed cows (Bos Taurus indicus) were obtained in slaughterhouses near the Uberlandia city, Minas Gerais. The gonads and the embryos were fixed in Bouin's fixative and afterwards processed for conventional optical microscopy. The gonadal was observed firstly in a 1.0 cm long embryo. In 2.5 cm long embryos the presence of the albuginea allows the sex identification. The mean thickness of the albuginea ranged from 29.08 to 558.45 mm. Gradually increase of vascularization of the albuginea and parenchyma is observed. The mediastinum is located centrally. There was a decrease in the space occupied by the testicular cords, from 63.71 to 41.99% of the total testes volume. Its diameter ranged from 31.68 to 48.80 mm. The diameter of germinal cells (and their nuclei) was from 12.27 (6.65) to 16.95 914.21) mm. The quantity of germinal cells by cross section of cord decreased from a maximum of 2.80 to 0.76. The total number of germinal cells was from 16 at the beginning of colonization of the gonad to 18.32 x 106 at the end of the study. The number of Sertoli's cells by cross section of cord ranged from 10.00 to 16.25. The results obtained show that the origin and formation of testes in embryos and fetuses from Nelore breed cows (Bos taurus indicus) does occur in a very similar way to what is described for Bos taurus taurus.

Desempenho ponderal de novilhas mestiças Holandês x Zebu submetidas a duas estratégias de suplementação mineral

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Doenças respiratórios em aves atendidas no Laboratório de Ornitopatologia da FMVZ-UNESP/Botucatu-SP, Brasil, nos anos de 2005 a 2006

The respiratory tract of birds shows anatomical and physiological characteristics that facilitates the occurrence of disease, mainly those of microbiological origin. This article analyzes the frequency of respiratory diseases in domestic and wild birds treated during the years 2005-2006 at the Ornitopathology Laboratory of the Veterinary Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootecnics, São Paulo State University (FMVZ-UNESP). Diagnoses were obtained through clinical and radiographic exams as well as haemogram, microbiological culture, parasitological tests and necropsy, being septicemic processes, aspergillosis and mycoplasmosis the most diagnosed diseases. No zoonotic threats were identified, so the entities were described as of low-impact on public health. However, the above mentioned agents can provoke death of birds and difficult for treating and eradication as well.

Perfil de FSH e LH na divergência folicular em novilhas Nelore (Bos indicus)

Present study aimed to evaluate gonadotropins profiles in 12 Nelore heifers, in order to test the hypothesis that FSH concentrations decrease and LH presents a transient increase during follicle selection. Blood samples from jugular vein were harvested twice daily starting at the time of ovulation (D0) until D5. Plasma samples were assayed for FSH and LH by double antibody radioimmunoassay method. LH and FSH assay sensitivity was 0,02ng/ml and 0,005ng/ml, respectively. The intraassay coefficient of variation was 13,6% and 18,8%, respectively. Data (mean±SEM) were normalized to follicle deviation and analyzed by ANOVA and by linear, cubic, and quadratic regressions. Comparisons between higher and lower FSH values were also performed by T-test. There was no effect of time in plasmatic FSH and LH circulating levels when variance analysis or regression analysis were performed. However, by T-test, FSH concentrationsreached the lowest plasmatic levels 36 (0,40±0,05ng/ml) and 60 hours (0,42±0,04ng/ml) after follicular deviation, comparatively to 36 hours before deviation, when the concentrations were maximal (0,63±0,08ng/ml). In conclusion, there is a FSH decrease, although a transient LH elevation has not been confirmed encompassing follicle deviation in Nelore females.

Linhagem materna: Qual a sua influência em características pré e pós desmama em bovinos da raça Nelore?

The present work had as objective to evaluate the effects of the introduction of the maternal lineage (Lc), representing the mitochondrial inheritance, in the model of genetic evaluation on birth weight (BW), weight for 120 days (W120), weaning weight (WW), weight at 12 month (W12), weight at 18 month (W18), weight gain from weaning to 18 month (WG18), scrotal perimeter (SP) and temperament (TEMP) of a Brazilian Nelore herd. Two models had been used for raise a comparison among of estimates the (co)variances components and genetic parameter, been the first equal one to currently used in the genetic evaluations of this herd, and second included the random effect of maternal lineage. Amongst the analyzed characteristics, the maternal lineage effect was significant (P<0.05) for W18 and SP only it, where this effect was responsible for 3% and 7%, respectively, of phenotypic variance could be explained by Lc effect. For besides characteristics, however not significant, this effect was responsible for 1% and 9% of phenotypic variance.